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Deadly Crashes Increase 15 Percent From Last Summer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Public safety leaders are urging Minnesota drivers to slow down after at least six people died in crashes this weekend.

According to the Department of Public Safety, this brings the total number of deaths on our roads to 202 this year – which includes two bicyclists and eight pedestrians. That’s a 15-percent jump from the 175 deaths at this point last summer.

Earl Conley lost his son, Austin, to a hit-and-run involving a speeding driver last fall.

“This needs to stop,” Conley said. “Five families were expecting someone to come home, and they never made it. I had to look at my son’s body, all battered and beaten up because of someone else’s negligence.”

The State Patrol says if this trend continues, we could reach 450 deaths on the road this year.

They say 99 percent of crashes could be eliminated if drivers obey speed limits, wear seat belts, pay attention and never drink and drive.